19 May 2012 New home features Old World charm
by RaeLynn Callaway
Courtney Elms owned her lot in Applewood Cove in West Conway for two years before she hired her dad, David Elms of Elms-Clowers Construction, to build her European inspired design.
She loved the look of using natural materials like rock, brick and timbers on the exterior of the home. By pulling these elements inside, she created a clean and fluid continuity between the indoors and out.
“The front of the house was very important to me,” Courtney said. “I wanted an inviting entry with a garden and patio large enough to welcome guests.”
Upon entering the home, the foyer opens into her living area. Despite the large expanse of the open living room/kitchen layout, the area feels very warm and welcoming thanks to the nature inspired colors, materials used and the walls of glass doors and windows that bring in the natural light.
The travertine-covered fireplace and hearth with its custom mantle and bookshelves serve as a focal point for all her gatherings of family and friends. There is plenty of seating at the table, along her bowing raised bar or on the large sectional. For every season the walls of windows provide a wonderful view of the outside covered porch and spacious backyard.
“I had to have the large glass doors that folded back completely to the wall,” she said. “This way I have one large living space that incorporates the back porch.”
The heart of her home is just how she envisioned it. She knew she wanted the old-world look and accomplished it with the use of brick, limestone and timbers. Granite countertops and a tumbled stone backsplash, accented with tantrum glass tiles, add that natural touch of warmth and beauty. The chiseled edge, honed finish of the black granite on the island is a great contrast to the surrounding granite and travertine. The glaze on the island adds depth to the cabinetry and enhances the aged character while darker-stained cabinets pull the eye around the room. The heavy-textured hood with custom wood banding over Courtney’s gas range adds an additional element of old-world charm.
In the master bedroom and bath, David used leftover pieces of tongue and groove as Courtney’s crown molding.
“It really turned out neat,” David said. “We liked it so well we decided to use it on the master bedroom’s mantle and as the tub surround in the master bath. It really tied both rooms together.”
The cathedral ceiling with its v-joint hardwood brings depth and dimension to this luxurious space. The double vanities on either side of the whirlpool tub surrounded by backsplashes of glass and stone mosaic create a relaxing, polished environment. The master bath also boasts a large walk-in shower, with porcelain tiles and mosaic accents, and a make-up area with a beautiful curved wall.
The master closet was also one area Courtney used her discerning eye for function as well as beauty. With lots of rods for hanging, cabinets with glass doors for purses and shoes and loads of drawer space, this closet lacks for nothing. Her dad even built her a custom bench with high sides that include doors, drawers and adjustable shelving for all her jewelry and accessories.
“I love everything about my home, but I really love my wine room,” Courtney said.
Besides magnets, Courtney also collects wine corks. She and her boyfriend, Ryan, have spent countless hours cutting and gluing the corks to create a custom backsplash. The wine room has a brick, barrel ceiling with arched doorways fitted with custom designed iron gates. All the racks are adjustable, and everything, including the cabinet hardware, has a wine theme.
Courtney’s beautiful home combines old-world ambiance and modern convenience with high-end features and finishes, architectural elegance and top quality workmanship.
